We worry less about buying a new car - what gives?

[ksoze]

One of the challenges in running a company with a successful product line is maintaining current sales while creating enhanced products within the same line. Auto dealers have dealt with this forever as auto model years bring changes in fairly predicable time periods, yet they seem to keep the inventory moving through discount incentives and direct sales. Even as huge model changes occur within a car line every few years, prospective buyers generally do not freak out as much over a possible $30K+ investment as they do with a $300 cell phone investment.

So to those tormented by indecision buy what you need now and get over it. The day after the new iPhone 4G is announced, a new thread will appear for the upcoming iPhone 4GS and the features will be spectacular.

Sometimes, the current model is actually better than the next one – just ask some BMW or Acura owners.

 

[army91c]

Ummmmmm...... ok.

What exactly is the point of this post?

 

[GoCubsGo]

^ I'm in the same boat ... what's the point here?
You realize that many who worry are likely not of age to buy a car right?

 

[xraydoc]

Hey, I've stressed about buying a car, just like an iPhone - especially when I know a significant change to a car I'm interested in is coming for the next model year though not being in a position to wait.

However, it's not common that the next car model will be twice as fast, do more and cost half as much as the one you just bought. It is, however, that way with phones, computers, TVs and other high-tech items.

 

[MTI]

Generally, a luxury car's chassis has a 5-7 year production life cycle, with the intervening years bringing modest equipment or styling changes. Obviously, tooling costs, manufacturing site costs and supply contracts make that necessary. Also, car makers announce major chassis changes well in advance, the term "long lead" is the industry phrase.

Mobile electronics have a considerably shorter cycle.

 

[-aggie-]

One of the challenges in running a company with a successful product line is maintaining current sales while creating enhanced products within the same line. Auto dealers have dealt with this forever as auto model years bring changes in fairly predicable time periods, yet they seem to keep the inventory moving through discount incentives and direct sales. Even as huge model changes occur within a car line every few years, prospective buyers generally do not freak out as much over a possible $30K+ investment as they do with a $300 cell phone investment.

So to those tormented by indecision buy what you need now and get over it. The day after the new iPhone 4G is announced, a new thread will appear for the upcoming iPhone 4GS and the features will be spectacular.

Sometimes, the current model is actually better than the next one – just ask some BMW or Acura owners.

Wished more would heed this advice and we'd have a couple hundred less threads on MR repeating the same thing.

 

[Kenzembo1]

Hmm...I don't know about the OP, but I get buyer's remorse whenever I spend over $100 a lot of the time. I appreciate everything that I have, but still there are some things I lust over - I usually leave those items for birthdays, Christmas, etc. It's always nice having something to work towards, it helps you set goals and stay organized.

 

[thelatinist]

Nice blog post.

 

[beamer8912]

However, it's not common that the next car model will be twice as fast, do more and cost half as much as the one you just bought. It is, however, that way with phones, computers, TVs and other high-tech items.

What this guy said.

Unfortunately OP, you're comparing apples to oranges.